Not all leaks require the services of a professional Vancouver roofing company, but knowing the difference is the key to success. The importance of knowing when todo your own repair and when to hire a roofer to do it for you can save you a lot of money. Look at it this way, if you make repairs but cause more damage you will end up with an even a bigger problem. So when should you personally repair your roof?
Signs of leaking
Finding a leak is not always easy, sometimes you have to look for the tell tale signs of a leak. The best way to find leaks is to look for:
- water stains on your ceiling
- look for rot in the roof: this indicates the presence of moisture
- missing shingles are an obvious sign of leaks
- curling shingles
- algae and mold
Broken or missing shingles
It is important to understand that if you have multiple leaks or if the damage on the roof is beyond your abilities you should hire a North Vancouver roofer. But if the damage is minimal e.g. when you have a leak or two you can just do it yourself.
One way of finding roof leaks on your home is waiting for the rains, this may work but it can result in further damage if there is a severe storm.
A better option is to use a hose to detect damage,this is a two man operation; one should be directly under the roof looking for leaks as the other floods water on the roof. Once you find a damaged shingle fix it immediately to prevent damage,if the damage to the shingle is irreparable you should replace it.But if the shingle is just curled back you can straighten it and reattach it with roofing cement.A good way to mark the spot that needs repair is by pushing a nail through the spot.Roof Repair Direct is a great resource for residential and commercial roofing information.
Note that, how a leak is fixed is dependent on the material used to build the roof.
What causes leaking?
Clogged gutters
If you don’t clean your gutters water will remain on the roof, the water will seep through cracks and start leaking. The best way to prevent this from happening is by cleaning the gutter; if there are trees near the home you should consider trimming them.
Cracked flashing
When the flashing on your roof cracks, water will get in. flashing is a material made of galvanized steel or aluminum used on joints, the work of flashing materials to prevent water from getting in. these types of leaks commonly occur in areas such as where there are roof to wall transitions and dormers.
Poor sealing work
If the person installing your roof does a shoddy job you will be left with leaks, the leaks can also come as a result of damage when someone walks on your roof. This makes it very important to always work with a professional roofer who knows exactly what he or she is doing.
It is important to understand that not all leaks are a direct result of your roof failure; sometimes the leaks can come as a result of improper air conditioning, plumbing, animal or insect infestation and many other things. Therefore when inspecting the roof, ensure that you know exactly what’s causing the leaks.
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